In a seven-round mock from the PFF draft simulator, Miami opens with Round 1, Pick 11, landing USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. Lemon profiles as a dynamic slot option—closely aligned with the Amon-Ra St. Brown archetype—who could help offset the potential departure of Hill and pair with Jaylen Waddle to form a dangerous receiving duo.
Miami then targets the interior of the offensive line in Round 2, selecting Emmanuel Pregnon, a powerful Oregon guard. His combination of strength, technique, and quickness should help stabilize protection and open interior run lanes, making an immediate impact for a Dolphins offense looking to rebuild around a new regime.
The Round 3 slate features three picks: Chandler Rivers (CB, Duke) as a potential future nickel who can process quickly and thrive in zone-heavy schemes; Garrett Nussmeier (QB, LSU) as a controversial but intriguing quarterback-development option; and Chase Bisontis (G, Texas A&M), a quicker guard who could compete for starting duties or provide high-level depth on the interior. The trio underscores Hafley’s interest in defense, QB development, and interior line depth.
In Round 4, T.J. Davis (OT, Illinois) adds a developmental left tackle with solid pass protection traits, while Round 5 brings Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State), a 6-foot-2, 192-pound corner with elite long speed and strong zone coverage traits who could be a value pick if he reaches his ceiling. These mid-to-late picks emphasize the Dolphins’ ongoing effort to bolster the secondary and protect the quarterback.
The final selection in this mock is Round 7, Pick 227, tight end Riley Nowakowski (Indiana), a blocking-oriented tight end intended to add depth and physicality to the position as Miami continues to evaluate tight-end talent. Taken together, the mock draft signals Hafley’s emphasis on slot receiving, offensive line and trenches, and defensive back depth, while also signaling a plan to develop a quarterback successor and support a budding offense around young playmakers.
Overall, this mock draft outlines a clear rebuilding strategy for Hafley and Sullivan: fortify the interior lines, add dynamic receiving options, build a versatile secondary, and pursue quarterback development as they navigate cap constraints and offseason uncertainty surrounding key stars. This first draft approach offers a foundation for Miami’s 2026 season as they chart a course toward long-term competitiveness.
